Plan your commute to UC Davis
Transportation at UC Davis is shaped by a strong emphasis on sustainability, with biking, walking and transit playing central roles alongside driving and intercampus connections.
Cycling
UC Davis is widely recognized as one of the most bicycle-friendly universities in the United States, and cycling is central to how people move to and across campus. The campus is designed for cycling, with an extensive network of dedicated bike paths, limited vehicle access in central areas and consistently high levels of bike traffic. Bikes are used both for commuting to campus and for getting around during the workday.
Bicycle registration and parking
Bike parking is widely available across campus. Bicycles should be parked in designated areas and employees are encouraged to use a sturdy bike lock when parking on campus. Bicycles and scooters used on campus should be registered through the Bike Index program.
Bicycle safety and support
UC Davis has an extensive network of paths which many people use to move across campus by bike, foot and other modes throughout the day. Cyclists are encouraged to stay alert and use helmets and lights for greater safety and visibility. Because cycling is one of the main ways people move around campus, UC Davis offers many services for cyclists, including bike registration, on-campus repair, and training and education.
Learn more about bicycle programs and services: https://transportation.ucdavis.edu/bicycleprogram
E-bikes and e-scooters
UC Davis and the City of Davis partner with Spin to offer shared e-bikes and e-scooters across campus and the city of Davis. Devices are accessed through the Spin app and must be parked in designated bike racks or approved parking areas. Spin also provides adaptive mobility options, including seated scooters and wheelchair-accessible devices, available by request. Discounted pricing options are available for eligible users.
Learn more about shared e-bikes and e-scooters: https://transportation.ucdavis.edu/spin
Walking
Walking is a central part of daily life at UC Davis. The campus has a flat, compact layout with limited vehicle access in central areas and well-connected paths between buildings. It is extensively landscaped, with the Arboretum and Public Garden forming a green corridor along the waterway that connects much of campus. Most destinations are within a 10 to 20 minute walk.
Walking maps and routes:
Campus maps and navigation tools — https://campusmap.ucdavis.edu/
Marked walking routes and loops — https://campusmap.ucdavis.edu/?filters=walking-loops
Safe Ride and campus escorts:
A Safe Ride program provides free evening transportation for students, staff, and faculty who would prefer not to walk alone or in small groups on campus at night. Rides are provided in marked vehicles, and walking escorts are also available upon request.
Safe Ride and campus escort services — https://police.ucdavis.edu/safe-rides
Public Transit
Public transit connects the UC Davis campus with the city of Davis and the broader region. While many employees rely on biking or walking within campus, transit offers an additional option for commuting from surrounding areas.
Available transit services:
Unitrans — high-frequency local service in Davis — https://unitrans.ucdavis.edu/
YoloBus — regional service connecting Davis with nearby communities — https://yolobus.com/
Amtrak — rail service via Davis station — https://www.amtrak.com/california
Car parking on campus
Parking at UC Davis is managed through the HONK and AMP mobile apps. The apps store vehicle and payment information for convenience. Payment is typically made upon arrival using the app on a mobile device instead of physical meters.
Parking permits are available for different durations, including monthly options. Dual-campus parking is also available for employees who travel between Davis and UC Davis Health. Availability varies by time of day and location, and some lots are designated for specific permit types or user groups.
For easier parking:
- Familiarize yourself with parking permit types and restrictions
- Download the HONK and AMP apps before arriving on campus
- Allow extra time during peak hours, as some lots fill early and parking is first come, first serve
Causeway Connection
The Causeway Connection is a free intercampus shuttle linking UC Davis in Davis and UC Davis Health in Sacramento. It provides direct transportation between the two campuses for students, faculty, and staff and is especially useful for those traveling between sites.
The shuttle stops on the UC Davis campus near the Mondavi Center and on the UC Davis Health campus at UC Davis Medical Center in Sacramento, with stops near key hospital entrances and campus buildings.
Schedules vary by day and time, so check current routes and timing before traveling.
Learn more: https://transportation.ucdavis.edu/causewayconnection